The Field Notes Podcast

In this episode join hosts Jodhan Fine and Omar Alui to learn more about James H. McCommons' new book The Feather Wars! Hear about the transition from shotgun to sight ornithology, the passage of the Migratory Bird Act, oology, and what modern day conservation can learn from the past. Be sure to check out James' book, on sale now!

In this episode of the Field Notes podcast, hosts Omar Alui and Jodhan Fine, along with special guest Russell Campbell, explore the world of birding. They discuss essential gear for beginners, including binoculars and cameras, and emphasize the importance of learning to use your equipment effectively. The conversation also covers the use of technology in birding, particularly the Merlin Bird ID app and eBird, which help birders identify species and track sightings. Additionally, the hosts highlight the significance of community and social engagement in enhancing the birding experience. In this conversation, Jodhan Fine and Russell Campbell explore the multifaceted world of birding, discussing personal experiences, the use of eBird, essential gear, safety measures, and the accessibility of birding for everyone. They emphasize the joy of birding, the importance of contributing to birding data, and the various ways technology can enhance the birding experience. The discussion also highlights the significance of being prepared with the right equipment and the fun aspects of birding culture.

Join hosts Jodhan and Omar as they recount their 2025, a year full of birds and adventures, where both hosts finished in the US top 100 for the year and saw combined well over 600 species.

Join hosts Jodhan and Omar as they discuss how art, media, and creativity can be tools for change with award-winning filmmaker Laurel Tamayo and illustrator, visual artist, and climate strategist Valeree Catangay.

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Tantin, Senior Director of Equitable Conservation at the National Audubon Society, to explore what it truly means to build an inclusive future for people and the planet. Jessica shares how she’s helping transform conservation by embedding Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) principles across Audubon’s programs — from community partnerships to conservation planning.We dive into the challenges and opportunities of bringing equity into daily practice, the importance of accountability in environmental work, and how conservation organizations can evolve to better reflect and serve local bird and human communities alike. With her thoughtful and grounded leadership style, Jessica offers a powerful look at how connecting strategy, culture, and practice can reshape the conservation movement across the hemisphere.

In this episode hosts Jodhan, Omar, and Kelsey are joined by the first guest on The Field Notes Podcast, Naomi Mansfield! Join the crew as we discuss how we fell in love with birds and birding, why we stay interested, and how the birding community can make loving birds welcoming for all.